old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

[gzisk]

Just bought a 2003 aquasport with a 175 johnson. the engine has only 25 hours in 2004 and sat all of 2005. fuel tank as about 30 gallons that has been sitting all year. too cold to run it out on the water in NJ this time of year. <br />Does anyone think I should drain the tank, or will fuel stabilizer control the fuel stability?

 

[lark2004]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

I think it's a little late for stabilizer now.<br />You will need to drain that fuel and if any was still in the carbs, clean them out too. All fuel lines will need to be flushed out as well.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

Old fuel can be a real killer in these larger engines, get rid of it. That 30 gal. of gas won't buy one piston.

 

[gzisk]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

I guess that I already knew the answer. Is there a fuel pump in the gas tank? Can I hot wire it and pump the fuel out of the line before going into the engine, and into containers?<br />Please advise how to clean out the fuel lines and carbs. Use carb cleaner spray?

 

[paulie0735]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

No pump in the fuel tank. Disconnect the fuel at the engine and use the primer bulb to start a siphoning effect. Siphon the fuel into drums on the ground. You may have to run an extension on the fuel line to get it lower than the fuel tank so that it drains properly. Empty the fuel into drums and use it in the lawn mower or other power equipment. Old fuel is a whole world of hurt in a high performance engine such as the 175 Johnson. If the Engine has been sitting for 2 years than the crabs will be dry except for a little oil and should not need cleaning out. Empty the tank, than add a little fuel conditioner than refill the tank with fresh fuel, ensure all your oil and fuel lines are in good condition, prime both the oil and fuel feeds and you should be fine. May be a little smoky for a few minutes until the excess oil in the carbs has cleared.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

With todays fuel, and especially the fuel we had a ouple years ago, I'd sure take the carbs apart and soak them. All it takes is a little varnish in one of the small passages and we'll be looking up piston part numbers.

 

[Walker]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

You bet. Clean the carbs. I'll bet my lucky nickle that they are gummed up with varnish. In fact I bet my lucky penny you can smell the varnish before you tear them down.

 

[qapd]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

gzisk,<br /><br />If you have the time, I would drain 10-15 gallons at a time and put in my truck. Burn it thru your vehicle. <br />Clean the carbs and hoses. Put a good filter/water seperator in line and you will be good to go when it warms up.

 

[gzisk]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

Thanks for the recommendations! With 8 inches of snow this morning in PA, I won't have anything else to do this weekend. May as well pump gas.

 

[paulie0735]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

Fair advice on the carbs but hardly necessary if the engine has only really been sitting for one and a half seasons. Removing and dismantling is not an easy task on these engines and requires expert knowledge. They are loaded with control valves and complex vacuum feeds........ Removing and dismantling to the extent that you will remove any varnish buildup is not a job for the average boat owner. If you're that nervous about any build up after only 18 months than take it to a Johnson specialist and have the job done by a pro. You will save money in the long run and rest easy at night knowing that it’s been done correctly. <br /><br />A quality fuel conditioner will help keep your carbs clean. Check your spark plugs for consistency in color and burn pattern over all six. If you notice any one or more are different than the rest get the engine to a pro pronto!!<br />Your rig should be fitted with the genuine OMC remote fuel filter, there will also be a fine mesh filter one at the point where the fuel line meets the main distribution feeds to the carbs, remove both these filters and replace them with new. If it’s not fitted with the OMC remote spin on filter than get one and fit it before you venture out, just don’t drain all that old fuel through the new filter.............

 

[Walker]

Re: old fuel - 2003 175 hp johnson

Originally posted by Dhadley:<br /> With todays fuel, and especially the fuel we had a ouple years ago, I'd sure take the carbs apart and soak them. All it takes is a little varnish in one of the small passages and we'll be looking up piston part numbers.

 

[david12680]

old fuel/check engine light - 1998 175 hp johnson

old fuel/check engine light - 1998 175 hp johnson

New boat owner with a Johnson 175 oceanrunner, the boat had sat for about 3 seasons from previous owner, I just fired up the motor and sounded solid but a check engine light came on after about 4 hours of running it, other than pumping the old fuel out any suggestions as to the "check engine" light might be on?

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: old fuel/check engine light - 1998 175 hp johnson

Re: old fuel/check engine light - 1998 175 hp johnson

David,

You just resurrected a 3 1/2 year old post. Some hear consider that distastful. I would recommend creating anew post to get the most eyes on your problem.

Good luck! - Check engine can be from a variety of factors. You'll need to better describe your engine too. If it's a FICHT the answer is gonna be take it to a shop to be blessed by a cornputer; and do you have all the latest software upgrades. If it's carburated you'll be able to fix it yourself.